Jonjo Shelvey must become “more mature” if he is to fulfil his potential - with Rafa Benitez warning the midfielder to “concentrate on football” and ignore the negative reception he is certain to receive at Molineux.

The 24-year-old served a five-match ban earlier this season after being found guilty of using racially-abusive language towards Romain Saiss during Wolverhampton Wanderers’ 2-0 victory over Newcastle United at St James’ Park back in September.

Though Shelvey still maintains his innocence and the club supported him during his appeal, Benitez believes the midfielder must “learn” to control himself out on the field and rise above provocation.

“Hopefully not,” Benitez replied when asked if he thought this trip to Wolves would prove to be a difficult game for Shelvey given the fact the Molineux crowd, and home players, are likely to goad him.

“Hopefully, we can concentrate on football, and that’s it.

“The best thing Jonjo can do is concentrate on his football. That’s it.

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Somewhat perversely, Benitez even believes there have been “positives” from Shelvey’s suspension, despite the fact it led to a downturn in United’s form and also saw the midfielder’s reputation become significantly damaged.

“He was training even harder during the suspension,” Benitez continued.

“He came back fitter because he was just supporting the team and thinking: ‘I have to do well. I have do well.’

“Jonjo has been working very hard, and it is an experience for him.

“It has been positive in some ways.

“I will say that from the beginning of the season, also from last season, but from the beginning of this season, little by little we have been watching him.

“He has been learning and improving.

“Still he can make mistakes like all of us do, but he has been learning and improving.